Up to 500 people protested outside the Dáil this afternoon against the deportation of Nigerian student Olunkunle Eluhanla, while there is increasing evidence the Government parties are at odds on the issue.
The protest was organised by students at Palmertsown Community College, where Mr Eluhanla (19) was studying for his Leaving Certificate. The rally was also supported by Residents Against Racism and local Nigerian community groups.
The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) publicised the protest and teachers from Palmerstown community college attended in a personal capacity.
A number of speakers made reference to the fact that during last night's Dáil debate Fianna Fáil TD John Curran asked for sympathy and compassion to be shown in the matter, while Fianna Fáil Seanad leader Mary O'Rourke attended this afternoon's protest.
Neil Burke one of the student organisers of the rally, told ireland.comthat he had been in constant touch with Mr Eluhanla since his deportation to Lagos and he is "very dejected and distraught."
"We're working hard to keep his hopes up," said Mr Burke. "He keeps saying he can't stay there and is asking us to help him."
"Michael McDowell has to show some compassion. He's like a robot but it's not a black and white issue when you are dealing with human beings."
A number of academics, community leaders and opposition TDs spoke to the protesters who blocked Molesworth Street in front of Leinster House.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said that every TD in the Dáil had experience of constituents being treated in this way.
"Minister McDowell says this is not a matter for him but he had discretion in this cases," said Mr Rabbitte.
"It is unacceptable to practically snatch students out of the classroom and normal human dignity not to apply."
Paul Gogarty, Green Party TD for Dublin Mid-West, which includes Palmerstown, encouraged the students to continue their protests as "Minister McDowell only listens to people power."
"It's a farce to give someone an education and with two months to go to the Leaving Cert to tell him to 'F' off," said Mr Gogarty.
Several speakers also suggested that the Government was engaged in double standards by looking for a special dispensation for undocumented Irish immigrants in the US while deporting students from its own duristiction.